Abstract: An automated system and method for developing an increased level of associate accountability in a production process by obtaining a performance projection from the associate, inputting this projection data into a computer system, obtaining and inputting actual performance data into the system and utilizing the system to compare the associate's projected performance to the associate's actual performance. The system and method of the present invention provides timely, objective and quantitative feedback to the production process associate. This feedback is subsequently used as a pay for performance incentive program.

Abstract: A method for detecting steady-state convergence of a signal compares a filtered version of the signal or its derivative to a threshold over a given time interval, and a measure of the signal variability is used to tune the filter behavior. In one implementation, the signal is filtered with a high-pass filter, and the cut-off frequency of the filter is adjusted inversely with respect to the measured variability of the signal. In another implementation, the signal derivative is filtered with a low-pass filter, and the cut-off frequency of the filter is adjusted in proportion to the measured variability of the signal. In each case, the variability of the signal is measured by computing a differential of the signal and then smoothing the differential.

Abstract: There is disclosed a polypeptide (CD30-L) and DNA sequences, vectors and transformed host cells useful in providing CD30-L polypeptides. The CD30-L polypeptide binds to the receptor known as CD30, which is expressed on a number of cell types, among which are Hodgkin's Disease tumor cells, large cell anaplasdic lymphoma cells, adult T-cell leukemia (T-ALL) cells, and a number of other malignant cell types. CD30-L polypeptides find use as carriers for delivering diagnostic and cytotoxic agents to cells expressing the CD30 receptor.

Abstract: A method for detecting steady-state convergence of a signal compares a filtered version of the signal or its derivative to a threshold over a given time interval, and a measure of the signal variability is used to tune the filter behavior. In one implementation, the signal is filtered with a high-pass filter, and the cut-off frequency of the filter is adjusted inversely with respect to the measured variability of the signal. In another implementation, the signal derivative is filtered with a low-pass filter, and the cut-off frequency of the filter is adjusted in proportion to the measured variability of the signal. In each case, the variability of the signal is measured by computing a differential of the signal and then smoothing the differential.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture consistent with certain principles related to the present invention enable a computing system to manage the delivery of web content based on historical site visit data and revenue optimization processes. In one aspect consistent with certain features related to the present invention, a publisher may provide ad campaigns that target various criteria. The publisher may be configured to allocate impressions of web content based on forecasted site visits and impressions for future months. The impression allocations may be adjusted based on overlapping targeting criteria between the campaigns and a prediction of whether a campaign may reach an impression goal before the expiration of the campaign's run period. The impression allocations are also adjusted by expected revenue from clicks and revenue per impression for different campaigns.

Abstract: Tumor necrosis factor receptor proteins, DNAs and expression vectors encoding TNF receptors, and processes for producing TNF receptors as products of recombinant cell culture, are disclosed.

Abstract: An integrated information support system (IISS) uses a stand-alone, large capacity memory device, such as a CD ROM, to enhance the user interface of a copier system. The IISS, providing system users with access to vast quantities of graphical, textual, video and audio information, is a separately controlled system which may be integrated with the normal control functions of the copier system. Information is retrieved from the memory device and presented to a system user either spontaneously, on-demand, or in response to specific system conditions such as faults. In a preferred embodiment, an expert coach controls the presentation of information and is capable of monitoring user actions to, for example, ensure a suggested course of action is actually being followed. The IISS may advantageously share existing user interface facilities, such as the copier system's video monitor and button matrix.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for preventing the loss of portions of a copied image when output media having edge disturbances, or virtual edge disturbances, are used. Such media can include hole-punched paper, transparencies with non-imaging stripes, or paper that will be hole punched at a later time. Image loss may be minimized or prevented by reducing or offsetting the image. When output media with an edge disturbance is detected, an image forming apparatus can adjust the images to compensate for the disturbances.

Abstract: This invention relates to polymorphisms in the human KDR gene and corresponding novel allelic polypeptides encoded thereby. In particular, the invention relates to two polymorphisms in the coding sequence of the KDR gene, each of which lead to an amino acid change in the sequence of expressed protein; three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the promoter region; one SNP in the 5′ UTR and seven SNPs in intronic sequence. The invention also relates to methods and materials for analysing allelic variation in the KDR gene, and to the use of KDR polymorphism in treatment of KDR ligand (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor VEGF)-mediated diseases such as cancer and various inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: Tumor necrosis factor receptor proteins, DNAs and expression vectors encoding TNF receptors, and processes for producing TNF receptors as products of recombinant cell culture, are disclosed.

Abstract: An improved position control for a solenoid actuated valve, wherein the solenoid is activated based on the combination of a feed-forward component based on a model of the steady state operation of the valve and a closed-loop feedback component that responds to changes in the commanded position and compensates for any inaccuracy in the steady state model. The method involves a valve characterization procedure in which the actual force generated by the solenoid is measured for various combinations of valve position and solenoid current, resulting in a table of coil current in terms of developed force and valve position. In operation, the model is used to estimate the solenoid force required to achieve the commanded valve position under steady state operating conditions, and a controller addresses the table to obtain a feed-forward coil current command as a function of the commanded valve position and the estimated solenoid force.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting dynamometric testing of an internal combustion engine at a test site under a simulated atmospheric pressure that differs substantially from an actual ambient atmospheric pressure existing at the test site. The internal combustion engine has an air inlet for supplying an intake airflow for combustion within the internal combustion engine and an exhaust outlet for exhausting an exhaust flow exiting from the internal combustion engine. The method includes the steps of subjecting the air inlet to the simulated atmospheric pressure, subjecting the exhaust outlet to the simulated atmospheric pressure and operating the internal combustion engine while both of the air inlet and the exhaust outlet are subjected to the simulated atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting dynamometric testing of an internal combustion engine at a test site under a simulated atmospheric pressure that differs substantially from an actual ambient atmospheric pressure existing at the test site. The internal combustion engine has an air inlet for supplying an intake airflow for combustion within the internal combustion engine and an exhaust outlet for exhausting an exhaust flow exiting from the internal combustion engine. The method includes the steps of subjecting the air inlet to the simulated atmospheric pressure, subjecting the exhaust outlet to the simulated atmospheric pressure and operating the internal combustion engine while both of the air inlet and the exhaust outlet are subjected to the simulated atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: Fusion proteins comprise a tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNF-R) polypeptide and at least one additional polypeptide selected from an interleukin-1 receptor (IL-1R) and a second TNF-R polypeptide. One such fusion protein comprises one IL-1R and two TNF-R polypeptides. The fusion proteins have therapeutic use and may be produced via recombinant DNA technology.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling a graphical program to receive and respond to programmatic events, such as user interface events. The graphical program may include a graphical user interface having various user interface elements and a block diagram having a plurality of nodes indicating functionality of the graphical program. The graphical program may be configured to receive and respond to one or more user interface events. For each event, a portion of graphical source code (such as a plurality of interconnected nodes) may be included in the block diagram, wherein the portion of graphical source code is operable to receive and respond to the respective user interface event. The portion of graphical source code may be executable to perform a desired process or action in response to the respective event. In one embodiment, a sub-program node may be associated with each event.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention comprises a system and method for enabling a graphical program to dynamically register one or more events during execution of the graphical program. An event registration node may be displayed in the block diagram of the graphical program. One or more events may be associated with the event registration node. The event registration node may be operable to dynamically register the one or more events during execution of the graphical program. Another embodiment of the invention comprises a system and method for enabling a graphical program to programmatically generate and respond to a user-defined event. The user may desire to define custom, i.e., user-defined, events for use in a graphical program.

Abstract: Fusion proteins having a tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNF-R) polypeptide and at least one additional polypeptide covalently fused thereto and selected from an interleukin-1 receptor (IL-1R) and a second TNF-R polypeptide. The receptor polypeptides are preferably fused together by a peptidyl linker. Suitable fusions include, for example, TNF-R-linker-TNF-R; TNF-R-linker-IL-1R; and TNF-R-linker-TNF-R-linker-L-1R molecules.

Abstract: A poxvirus protein designated A41L binds to leukocyte common-antigen-related protein (LAR). A41L is a secreted protein that can be purified from the culture supernatant of cells infected with certain poxviruses, or produced using recombinant DNA techniques. A41L polypeptides and LAR polypeptides, and nucleic acids encoding them, are provided herein. Also provided are methods of using such polypeptides and nucleic acids.

Abstract: A system for treating a patient's heart which comprises a means to form channels in the heart wall and a means to deliver a therapeutic or diagnostic agent into the channels. Additionally, the system may comprise a means to retain the agent within the channels for a useful period of time. The system may be configured to be introduced percutaneously or intraoperatively. The system generally comprises an elongated, flexible lasing transmission means having a laser radiation emitting means and an delivery lumen opening at the distal end. Practice of the invention comprises forming channels in the heart wall and delivering a therapeutic or diagnostic agent into the channel. Gene therapy agents of this invention comprise vectors for transferring genetic information to the heart tissue in vivo or harvested cells which have been genetically engineered in vitro. Additionally, the invention may comprise retaining the agent within the channels, for example, by incorporating the agent in a viscous carrier.

Abstract: A disk drive has a servo controller that compensates for repeatable runout between the drive's data-transducing head and a data-storage disk disposed within the drive. The drive incorporates an improved runout-compensation technique by which a runout-error correction is applied to a plurality of locations on the disk without a need to store position-error data corresponding to each location. The drive also incorporates an improved runout-compensation technique by which the runout-error correction is optimally matched to the response characteristics of the drive's actuator mechanism. This optimal matching is accomplished by setting the anticipation interval for the correction in non-whole-sector increments, and calculating a to-be applied runout-error correction. Alternatively, the drive is equipped with a digital filter that calculates a runout-error correction based on a model of the actuator mechanism incorporated into the filter.